Efficacy of FilmArray^® ME panel for the rapid diagnosis of meningitis and encephalitis

Abstract

Microbial tests are essential for appropriate management for acute meningitis and encephalitis, but it often takes several days to identify the results of culture tests or PCR. BioFire FilmArray^® meningitis/encephalitis panel (ME panel) is a rapid multiplex PCR assay that targets 14 bacteria, viruses, and yeast in 1 hour. In this single-center retrospective study, we reviewed adult patients who underwent ME panel test in parallel with conventional microbial tests from January to August 2021. Eighteen of 70 patients (26%) tested positive by ME panel, of which 8 patients (11%) were helpful in altering treatment strategy. Fifty-two patients (74%) could stop empirical treatment such as acyclovir or antibiotics due to negative results on ME panel. All results of ME panel were same as traditional assays. Use of ME panel can contribute to early diagnosis and treatment.